Vladimir Padrino López & United States

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López is Venezuela's Defense Minister and is also under a U.S. drug trafficking indictment. The U.S. sees his collaboration as crucial for avoiding a power vacuum and believes he is more amenable to U.S. demands than Diosdado Cabello.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defense Minister, stated that the US attack killed soldiers, civilians, and part of Nicolás Maduro's security detail, and that Venezuela's armed forces are activated to guarantee sovereignty.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defence Minister, stated that Venezuela would resist foreign troops and alleged that a US attack struck civilian areas, causing casualties.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defense Minister, was among those indicted by the United States — United States Department of Justice in 2020 for conspiring to traffic cocaine.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defense Minister, condemned the US intervention and called for unity to resist.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defense Minister, asserted the strength of Venezuela's military during a mobilization prompted by the U.S. military buildup.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's Defense Minister, denounced the US claims of drug trafficking as false and a justification for regime change, warning the population to prepare for potential aggression.

Vladimir Padrino López: Vladimir Padrino López, Venezuela's defense minister, publicly rejected the 'cowardly kidnapping' of Nicolás Maduro and vowed to maintain internal order and peace.